Umair Gaines
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) is the industry term for the equipment that controls the transfer of electricity from the local power supply to an electric vehicle (EV) so its batteries can recharge. The more commonly used names for EVSE are EV chargers, charging stations, charge points, or charging docks. The National Electronics Manufacturers Association (NEMA) defines EVSEs as devices that provide electric power to the vehicle and use that to recharge the vehicle's batteries. EVSE options range from simple to complex, with multiple form factors, use cases, charging levels, connectors, standards and protocols.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Technical term | Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) |
| Common names | EV chargers, charging stations, charge points, or charging docks |
| Function | Controls the transfer of electricity from the local power supply to an electric vehicle (EV) |
| Components | Electrical conductors, related equipment, software, and communications protocols |
| Form factors | Box on the cable, wall or pedestal-mounted enclosure, towers at public charging locations |
| Minimum requirements | Main relay, control module, power supply, electrical circuit for each charging socket, optional user interface |
| Charging types | Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) |
| Charging levels | Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 (DC fast charging) |
| Charging speeds | Vary from less than 20 minutes (DC fast charging) to 20+ hours (Level 1) |
| Connectors | J1772, CCS, NACS, CHAdeMO, J3400 (Tesla) |
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What You'll Learn
- EVSE controls the transfer of electricity from the power supply to an EV
- EVSE comes in various form factors, including boxes on cables and wall mounts
- Charging times vary based on battery depletion, battery type, and charging equipment
- AC charging is slower than DC charging, which bypasses the vehicle's onboard charger
- EVSE levels, speeds, output, and connectors depend on the EVSE supplier and location
EVSE controls the transfer of electricity from the power supply to an EV
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) controls the transfer of electricity from the power supply to an electric vehicle (EV) so that its batteries can recharge safely and efficiently. The National Electronics Manufacturers Association (NEMA) defines EVSE as devices that "provide electric power to the vehicle and use that to recharge the vehicle's batteries". EVSE systems include the electrical conductors, related equipment, software, and communications protocols that deliver energy efficiently and safely to the vehicle.
The enclosure of an EVSE can take several forms, ranging from a simple box on the cable itself to an enclosure mounted on a wall or pedestal, or the towers found at public charging locations. The box-on-a-cable form is primarily for home charging, while wall- and pedestal-mounted devices can be used for home, multi-family residential, workplace, hotel, retail, or public charging. Towers are typically found at public and fleet depot locations with multiple charging stations.
The EVSE controls the transfer of electricity by managing the power flow to the vehicle. The main relay turns the power flow on or off, while a control module manages the relay and the charging session. The power supply unit powers the control module and the relay, and an electrical circuit is provided for each charging socket or fixed cable attachment.
The type of connector used by the EVSE depends on the level and type of charger, whether it outputs AC or DC electricity, and the standards supported by the EVSE supplier or EV charging service provider (EVSP). AC charging, which is still the majority of connector types, charges an onboard charging system inside the EV, which then converts the power to DC electricity and sends it to the battery. DC charging bypasses this onboard system and sends the power directly to the battery, resulting in faster charging times. Level 3 DC fast chargers are equipped with converters in the EVSE housing to change grid-supplied AC to high-voltage DC output.
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EVSE comes in various form factors, including boxes on cables and wall mounts
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) comes in a variety of form factors, catering to different applications and use cases. The enclosure or housing of an EVSE unit can vary from a box on the cable to wall mounts, pedestal mounts, and towers.
The box-on-a-cable form factor is primarily used for home charging, with the charging unit enclosed in a box attached to the cable. This design is simple and convenient for residential use, resembling the familiar setup of plugging a smartphone into a charger.
Wall-mounted EVSE units are affixed to a building structure, while pedestal-mounted units stand independently. These versatile devices can be used in various settings, including homes, multi-family residences, workplaces, hotels, retail spaces, and public charging stations. They are suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments, providing charging accessibility in diverse locations.
The more sophisticated standalone units are often found at public and fleet depot locations, where they serve as towers with multiple charging stations. These towers are tall structures that accommodate several vehicles simultaneously, making them ideal for high-traffic areas with a high demand for electric vehicle charging.
The design of EVSE units ranges from simple to complex, with varying levels of sophistication. The form factor chosen depends on the specific application and the number of users the equipment is intended to serve. These units are designed to provide a seamless charging experience, catering to the diverse needs of electric vehicle owners.
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Charging times vary based on battery depletion, battery type, and charging equipment
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) controls the transfer of electricity from the local power supply to an electric vehicle (EV) so its batteries can recharge. The charging time for an EV battery depends on several factors, including the battery's depletion level, type, and the charging equipment used.
Firstly, the state of charge of the battery is a crucial factor in determining charging time. A battery that is fully discharged, or "dead", will take longer to charge than one that is only partially depleted. Recharging a dead battery can take anywhere from 4 to 24 hours, depending on its type and size.
Secondly, the type of battery plays a significant role in charging time. Different batteries have different charge capacities and efficiencies, which affect how quickly they can be charged. For example, lithium-ion batteries, known for their long lifespan and durability, can be recharged in a few hours using solar panels, wall outlets, or carports.
Thirdly, the type of charging equipment used has a considerable impact on charging time. There are three levels of charging equipment: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 (or DC Fast Charging). Level 1 charging is the slowest, providing up to 20 hours for a full charge, while Level 2 charging is faster, taking 5 to 6 hours. Level 3 charging is the quickest option, offering a full charge in just 30 to 45 minutes, or even 15 minutes with ultrafast chargers.
In addition to these primary factors, other variables can influence charging time. These include the charger manufacturer, condition, and age; air temperature; vehicle age and condition; and the voltage and amperage of the electrical service.
It is worth noting that charging an EV battery to 80% can be more time-efficient than charging it to 100%. The charging speed tends to slow down as the battery reaches a full charge to prevent damage. Therefore, it may be more cost-effective to use a Level 3 or DC fast charger to reach 80% and then switch to a slower charging method for the remaining 20%.
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AC charging is slower than DC charging, which bypasses the vehicle's onboard charger
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) controls the transfer of electricity from the local power supply to an electric vehicle (EV) so that its batteries can recharge safely and efficiently. The power that comes from the grid is always AC (alternating current). The energy stored in batteries is always DC (direct current).
AC charging is slower than DC charging because the conversion from AC to DC happens inside the vehicle. AC chargers facilitate a safe conduit for the AC supply from the grid to the onboard charger, which then converts the AC to DC for the battery management system to store in the EV battery. This is a slower process than DC charging, where the conversion from AC to DC happens within the charging station, allowing DC power to flow directly from the station into the battery.
DC chargers are usually bigger since the converter is inside the charging station. This makes them faster than AC chargers when it comes to charging the battery. DC chargers are also more expensive than AC chargers, they take up more space, and they require much more complex spare parts for processes such as active cooling. A high-power connection to the power grid is also necessary for DC chargers.
AC charging is healthier for an EV's battery and is the most common and widely distributed type of charging station in India. AC chargers are also more cost-effective to install and operate compared to DC chargers, making them a practical choice for those looking to set up charging infrastructure at home or in commercial spaces.
The type of connector used depends on the level and type of charger, whether it outputs AC or DC electricity, and the EVSE supplier or EV charging service provider.
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EVSE levels, speeds, output, and connectors depend on the EVSE supplier and location
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) controls the transfer of electricity from the local power supply to an electric vehicle (EV) so its batteries can recharge. The type of connector used depends on the level and type of charger, whether it outputs AC or DC electricity, and what connector standard the EVSE supplier or EV charging service provider (EVSP) is supporting, and where you’re located.
There are three levels of EVSE charging, with varying speeds, outputs, and connectors. Level 1 charging uses 120-volt AC electricity and can take up to 20 hours for a full charge, making it suitable for home charging. Level 2 charging uses 208- to 240-volt AC electricity and can fully charge an EV in 5 to 6 hours, making it suitable for home, work, and public charging. Level 3 charging, also known as DC fast charging, uses 400- to 900-volt DC electricity and can charge an EV in as little as 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the specific charger.
The connectors used for each level of charging can vary depending on the EVSE supplier and location. For Level 1 charging, the connector is typically J1772, but it can also be None. For Level 2 charging, the connector is usually J1772, but it can also be a combination of CCS, NACS, or CHAdeMO. Level 3 charging typically uses CCS, NACS, or CHAdeMO connectors. The type of connector used can also depend on the region and whether the station is Level 2 or Level 3.
The form factors for EVSE housing can also vary depending on the supplier and location. They can range from a box on the cable itself, primarily for home charging, to wall- or pedestal-mounted devices suitable for home, multi-family residential, workplace, or public charging. Towers are typically found at public and fleet depot locations with multiple charging stations.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) controls the transfer of electricity from the local power supply to an electric vehicle (EV) so its batteries can recharge safely and efficiently.
There are three levels of EVSE:
- Level 1: 120-volt AC connectors, charging speed of up to 20 hours for a full charge, suitable for home charging.
- Level 2: 208- to 240-volt AC connectors, charging speed of 5 to 6 hours for a full charge, suitable for home, work, public charging, etc.
- Level 3: 400- to 900-volt DC connectors, charging speed of 30 to 45 minutes for a full charge, known as fast or ultrafast chargers.
While EVSE is the industry's technical term, it is also commonly referred to as EV chargers, charging stations, charge points, or charging docks.
EVSE provides electric power to the vehicle to recharge its batteries. It includes electrical conductors, related equipment, software, and communication protocols to deliver energy safely and efficiently. The process involves converting AC power from the grid to DC power, which is what powers the vehicle.
